Indonesia pop star arrested in sex tape scandal

Indonesian singer Nazril "Ariel" Illham and Luna Maya walk together in Jakarta last July

Jarkarta, Indonesia (CNN) -- Indonesian police have arrested pop star Nazril "Ariel" Ilham for his involvement in sex videos that allegedly feature himself and two other top Indonesian celebrities.

The singer was named a suspect after the police questioned the three celebrities and expert witnesses over the last two weeks.

"We have determine that Ariel is a suspect in the sex video case, we charged him with the pornography law and with the 2008 electronic information and transaction law," said Marwoto Sutowijoyo, from national police public information.

Ariel will be the first high-profile offender of the controversial pornography law that carries a maximum penalty of 12 years.

"We will keep investigating the case and we will arrest the perpetrators once we have enough evidence," Marwoto added.

Alleged celebrity sex tape shocks modest Indonesia

The law and the incident has also revived the government's nationwide censorship plan to filter offensive content on the internet.

"The Ministry of Communication have long been proposing a decree on multimedia content, this is to prevent this kind of things from happening," said Gatot Dewa Broto, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Communications.

If passed, the ministry will create a special unit that will monitor the content in online media and will have the authority to censor anything without consulting any other bodies, he explains.

The first video, allegedly featuring Ariel and his current girlfriend Luna Maya, surfaced on several websites and went viral through social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.

On Tuesday, after the release of the second video allegedly featuring Ariel and Tari, the term "Ariel Peterporn," a spin on the singer's name and his band, became a top trending topic on Twitter.

The videos have sparked protests by conservative Islamic groups and others around the country condemning the celebrities in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, raids on internet cafes and the search of student cellphones at schools -- both confirmed by police -- have raised fears among defenders of free speech.

Shah Alam Hospital saga takes an 'Ali Baba' twist

By Rahmah Ghazali - Free Malaysia Today

KUALA LUMPUR: The Shah Alam Hospital saga has taken an “Ali Baba” twist with revelation that the main contractor for the RM482 million project did not do any work at all and yet had made a handsome profit.

Opposition MP Tony Pua (DAP-PJ Utara) said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) should look into this matter.

Speaking at press conference at Parliament today, Pua produced two documents which clearly showed that the whole project was being carried out by the sub-contractor, GM Healthcare Sdn Bhd, and not the main contractor, Sunshine Fleet Sdn Bhd.

One document stated that a letter of award was given to a sub-contractor, Isyoda (M) Sdn Bhd, a company which eventually had to opt out after it was delisted from Bursa Malaysia.

The project was subsequently given to GM Healthcare.

“In the letter of award, it was stated that RM451 million would be given to Isyoda while Sunshine Fleet (the main contractor) would receive RM482 million from the government.

“So the main contractor gets a net profit of RM31 million… this is a clear ‘Ali Baba’ project. The PWD needs to take action against Sunshine Fleet...,” he said.

Pua said the fact that Sunshine Fleet is making a net profit without doing any work (since the whole project is handled by the sub-contractor) contradicts the terms of the contract awarded by the ministry.

Pua also said that a second letter by Isyoda to Sunshine Fleet showed that the former had promised a payment of RM46 million to the Sunshine Fleet chairman personally, and not through the main contractor.

'Unconditional payment'

The unconditional payment, according to the letter, was in consideration of Sunshine Fleet’s “efforts to procure the letter of award to be issued to us in further consideration of your future contribution and cooperation to ensure the smooth operation and success of the project”.

It also said that the RM46 million would be paid by instalments. From this amount, said Pua, Isyoda promised to pay 9.5% progressive interim payments to the Sunshine Fleet chairman totalling RM77 million.

“This is seen as a commission for this contract. But is it really a commission or a bribe? We have given this to the MACC for further investigation,” he said.

Shah Alam Hospital is reportedly bogged down in a legal tussle between Sunshine Fleet and GM Healthcare, giving rise to fears that the project will not be completed on time.

But Works Minister Shaziman Abu Mansor dismissed such fears, saying that the project is on track.

Besides, he told Parliament today that the government is only responsible to the main contractor and has no authority over payments to the sub-contractor.

It has been reported that GM Healthcare has filed a petition to wind up Sunshine Fleet over a RM10 million debt.

Sunshine was served the notice on April 1 this year after it failed to pay the RM10 million owed to GM Healthcare. The RM10 million is the bond GM Healthcare had placed with the Public Works Department (PWD) on behalf of Sunshine Fleet for the design, construction, equipping, commissioning and maintenance of the Shah Alam Hospital.

'No action against Sunshine Fleet'

In reply to Pua, Shaziman said that as long as the project is on schedule, the PWD will not take action against Sunshine Fleet.

However, he said that a new law, Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act, will be introduced to ensure sub-contractors are paid on time.

“This will help protect sub-contractors who do not get any payment from the main contractor,” he said.

Shaziman also said that the PWD has not detected any breach of contract allegedly committed by Sunshine Fleet.

“In view of this, the question of the project being delayed or the contract being terminated does not arise. This is because the project is on track and (the parties) have observed the terms of the contract agreed to by the government,” he said.

The hospital, which was slated to be completed in November this year, will be ready by June next year.

Opposition MPs have repeatedly raised the issue, alleging that there were discrepancies in the contract PWD awarded to Sunshine Fleet through direct negotiation in 2007.

The situation took a turn for the worse when the board of directors of Sunshine Fleet, many of are related to the Sultan of Selangor, became involved in the legal squabble.

Axe Kamarul, Negeri leaders hint to Anwar

By Zefry Dahalan - Free Malaysia Today

SEREMBAN: With PKR en route to a major overhaul this Sunday, several of the party's Negeri Sembilan leaders have hinted to their boss Anwar Ibrahim that perhaps he should relieve state chief Kamarul Bahrin Abas of his duties.

They urged the PKR supremo to make changes based on merit, and not favouritism.

According to one state leader, who declined to be named, there is widespread disappointment with Kamarul, who has purportedly failed to deliver.

“Since the 2008 general election, he has not done much to help us at the division level. We carry out programmes on our own initiative.

"Yes it's true that we can't depend on him alone, but as state chief, he should spend time in assisting us in the divisions to chart our course to capture more seats (in the next election),” he told FMT.

Not rising to the defence

The leader also accused Kamarul, who is the Teluk Kemang MP, of being autocratic and failing to defend his subordinates and the party.

"Any constructive suggestion or critism raised during the state leadership meetings will be thrown out without proper discussion and consideration,” he said.

"When state Umno leaders, including the menteri besar, hurled baseless allegations against the state PKR, he keeps quiet.

"We expect him to defend our party's integrity and image otherwise people will assume that the allegations against us are true," he added.

'Never showed his face'

Meanwhile, FMT learnt from several state PKR and PAS leaders that during the Bagan Pinang by-election last year, Anwar was shocked when he campaigned at Indian majority estates like Siliau and Sua Betong.

"Anwar was bombarded with criticism from the estate workers who were upset that since winning in the election, Kamarul never visited the estates. Anwar could not answer them,” said one of the leaders, who delined to be named.

According to PAS sources, Kamarul “not showing his face in the estates” was cited as one of the reasons in the by-election post-mortem following PAS candidate Zulkefly Mohamad Omar's defeat.

Another senior state leader questioned Kamarul's decision to appoint local Hindraf leader S Haridass as one of his deputies.

"If I am not mistaken, he only became a PKR member after the 2008 general election. What has he done so far in his capacity as deputy chief? He also did not attend the recent PKR congress,” he said.

The state leader, who also requested anonymity, said there were many other capable Indian leaders in Negeri Sembilan.

Anwar is expected to reshuffle the party's state leadership at a retreat in Shah Alam on Sunday.

Say sorry or I'll sue you! DAP branch leader tells Ramasamy

By Athi Shankar - Free Malaysia Today,

GEORGE TOWN: A DAP branch leader has threatened to sue Penang Deputy Chief Minister 2 P Ramasamy for accusing him of having aspired for positions in the state government's agencies and local councils.

Butterworth-based Bagan Luar branch chief G Asoghan, 52, said that he had never lobbied for any position or state awards from the Penang Pakatan Rakyat government.

An upset Asoghan demanded Ramasamy prove his claims, or otherwise “the DCM 2 would face legal consequences.”

“Ramasamy had defamed me publicly,” Asoghan told FMT today. "He should also apologise and retract his remarks, which are absolute lies.

“I'm curious to know when and through whom I had lobbied for posts,” said Asoghan, a DAP member since 1994.

Ramasamy said last week that Asoghan was a disgruntled man after he was not considered by the DAP-dominated state government for any appointments in state agencies and local councils.

Ramasamy was responding to Asoghan's criticisms earlier that many Indians were disappointed that Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's administration had failed to address and resolve community-related issues in Penang.

Revive Indian affairs bureau

Asoghan urged Lim's government to implement comprehensive policies to address Indian issues, especially on Tamil schools, Hindu temples and burial ground land matters.

He also called on state DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow to revive the once-active Indian affairs bureau which was formed by the late P Patto.

Asoghan said he was not amused by Ramasamy saying that he (Asoghan) wanted to exact revenge after being overlooked for state and council positions.

“Each time someone criticises the DAP government, certain leaders always counter it by claiming that critic was a frustrated person for not being considered for positions.

“Instead of addressing the issues, these politicians resort to personal attacks on the critics by slurring their reputations.

“These politicians always swirl, twist and turn the whole issue into a character assassination campaign in an attempt to sweep matters under the carpet.

“This has become the standard modus operandi of certain DAP government leaders, even on their own party members,” said Asoghan.

He added that the denial syndrome among these DAP leaders could well cause the state government's eventual downfall.

Cameron Highlands' grim future

By Stephanie Sta Maria - Free Malaysia Today

CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Cameron Highlands faces the possibility of being wiped out from Malaysia's tourist map within the next decade if the government doesn't lift its ban on the hiring of Bangladeshi workers.

This warning came from the Malaysian Tea Producers Association chairman, Kesav Kumar Agarwal, who has been striving in vain to draw the government's attention to this plight.

Severe labour shortage has already forced two of the four tea plantations to cease operations and has vegetable farmers fighting to stay afloat.

“It's not just the tea industry but the entire Cameron Highlands that is in danger of becoming obsolete,” he said. “The domino effect of this scenario will have a huge impact on many other industries.”

According to Kesav, foreigners make up 90% of labour in Cameron Highlands today compared to 1982 when they only comprised 10%.

Government's silence

The tea industry is currently short of 700 workers, while the farmers need 2,000 extra pairs of hands. And unfortunately, foreign workers from other countries don't make the cut.

“Bangladeshi workers have an aptitude for agriculture-based industries and also tend to stay longer in the workforce,” Kesav explained. “As for the locals, they have either moved to the city or are only interested in office jobs.”

Kesav lamented the government's silence over the issue although Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, SK Devamany, has held talks with 28 farmer associations last month.

“Devamany agreed that we are in dire straits and publicly said that the policy was threatening the survival of Cameron Highlands,” he said. “Yet the government hasn't reached out to us yet.”

Kesav said that the various associations in Cameron Highlands have already submitted a working paper to the government some time back, explaining the need for Bangladeshi workers in their industry.

Association representatives also met with Human Resources Minister S Subramaniam last year, who promised to look into the matter.

“We're also trying to secure a meeting with (deputy prime minister) Muhyiddin (Yassin),” he added. “All we are asking for is that the old policy be reinstated, with special exemption given to Cameron Highlands.”

“Everyone here is now living in a state of anxiety because we don't know whether the government will heed our call. We're hoping for a response within the next two months. If nothing happens, then Cameron Highlands will be on its way to becoming a sunset industry.”

Pricey Islamic training centre rotting away in Sabah

By Ivan Ho - Free Malaysia Today

LAHAD DATU: Tall grass line the fields almost obscuring the football goalposts, the buildings seem to be in urgent need of maintenance, birds nest in the roof, drains are clogged with overgrowth and the grounds are infested with rats and snakes.

To those passing the site, the multi-million ringgit Islamic Training Centre (ITC) here is nothing more than a white elephant 10 years on.

Puzzlingly, the centre was given a fresh coat of paint recently.

The centre which sprawls over 20 acres off the Tungku road at kilmometre 24, consists of an administrative building, staff quarters, two hostel blocks that can accommodate 500 students, a canteen, mosque, a hall that can seat 1,000 and includes basketball and badminton courts, outdoor sepak takraw court, a football field as well as a 60-seater bus.

Critics say the ITC, whose construction began in 2000 for an estimated RM20 million, has never been fully utilized more than five years since its completion.

Newly formed Silam DAP branch chairman Tajuldin Abdul Rahim is among those questioned the senseless wastage of facilities and funds.

“During our visit last Saturday we learned that the centre has become a white elephant because there is no piped-water. Surely the planner of this project should have foreseen this problem. Why did this project get the go ahead in the first place?” he asked.

“This stinks of corruption. As a temporary measure, why can’t they use a water-tanker to transport water from Lahad Datu town to the centre?”

Heads must roll

He added that it was clear that whoever conceived the project was only interested in making money from it.

He described those responsible had dragged the good image of Islam through the mud and should be fully held accountable for the diabolical decision.

Taljudin wants Tungku assemblyman Suhaili Said (BN) to explain why the centre had fallen into such a deplorable state.

"Being an ustaz and living just about 6km from the centre he should know better the importance of this centre."

The assemblyman, he said, "should have the courage to reprimand Jakim (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia) who have allowed the centre to become uninhabitable".

Taljudin also wants Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman to reprimand the United Sabah Islam Association (USIA) for failing to speak up on the wastage.

“What is shocking is that though they have been aware of this situation for the past five years they have remained silent.

“I am serving one month's notice to USIA and Jakim that they should do whatever is necessary to beautify the whole centre and bring it up to par with any other such centres in Malaysia, failing which I shall lead a campaign to make our view heard,” he warned.

Also present at the inspection were DAP officials Jimmy Hee, Charan Singh, Maliki OT Lahani and Anthony Teo.

'Social service shortchanging Maika shareholders'

By G Vinod

KUALA LUMPUR: Sacked MIC veteran V Subramaniam wants the government to intervene in the Maika Holdings purchase to ensure that investors are not taken for a ride.

“Right now, the poor Indian investors who suffered from this scandal for 26 years are being shortchanged with the 80 sen per share deal,” said the former Petaling Jaya MIC division chief.

Tycoon G Gnanalingam, through specially set-up vehicle, G-Team Resources, has offered to purchase the stake belonging to Maika's 66,000 shareholders at RM100 million.

Subramaniam, who is better known as Barat Maniam, also questioned Gnanalingam's statement that it was an act of social service.

“How can forcing poor shareholders to accept this offer within a month be considered social service?” he asked, referring to the May 22-June 22 deadline. The deadline has now been extended to July 13.

Subramaniam said the government should instead consider giving Maika's cash cow insurance firm Oriental Capital Assurance Bhd (OCAB) a life insurance licence.

“The licence will allow OCAB's value to soar by almost three times from its current value and this will attract the attention of investors in the market.

“With this, Maika's share value will shoot up three-fold automatically and shareholders can get better returns from their investment,” he added.

Subramaniam aslo urged the government to appoint an international audit firm or receivership to transact the business of shareholding upon issuance of a life insurance licence to OCAB.

“If the Barisan Nasional government can do this, the ruling coalition can wrest back Indian votes in the coming general election,” he said.

Come clean on graft probe, SAPP warns against cover up

By Queville To - Free Malaysia Today

KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department V K Liew has been urged to come clean on an investigation into corruption and money laundering in Sabah.

Instead of asking the people to remain calm, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) information chief Chong Pit Fah said Liew should disclose the status of the probe.

Many in Sabah believe that the investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) involving several individuals said to be closely linked to a state leader would be shelved as it would embarrass the government.

Chong was commenting on Liew’s statement earlier this month confirming the MACC investigation following reports in the online media that several people had been called in for questioning.

Liew had said then that it was best to let MACC investigate any offence which is speculated to be tied to an alleged money laundering scam uncovered by the Hong Kong authorities in 2008.

“The government can choose to remain silent and hope that the issue fades away but it cannot prevent newspapers and blogs from publishing their own investigative reports,” said Chong.

He noted that long before news of the MACC investigation appeared on the internet, Sandakan was abuzz with talk.

Referring to a report this week quoting a senior MACC officer in Sabah saying that they were aware of the case but it was being handled by their headquarters, Chong said this was unusual.

Don't cover up the case

He hoped that Liew’s recent statement urging the public to remain calm and not to listen to rumours was not the beginning of a cover up.

“How come the MACC people, who are under him know about the matter but he as the minister in charge of MACC claims to be in the dark?” he asked.

Chong reminded the deputy minister that he (Liew) had also revealed to the local media on April 4 that some politicians in the state had amassed great fortunes in a short span of time.

He said the people deserved to know if the implementation of federal projects in Sabah had been affected by corrupt practices and whether Liew had reported them to MACC and the prime minister.

“Does his allegation include those involved in the multi-billion ringgit Port Klang Free Zone project, the alleged payment of RM10 million to an ex MCA minister, the submarine purchase with so-called commissions of more than RM500 million, and the yet to be completed RM400 million Kalabakkan-Sapulut road?” he asked.

He said if Liew’s description of “unprecedented fortunes” being accumulated was accurate, the amount involved would be in the region of hundreds of millions of ringgit and not many politicians would fit into this category of extreme wealth.

Chong reminded Liew that as the minister in-charge of MACC, he should not attempt to cover up the corruption of his colleagues.

Scorpenes cost exceed RM6.7bln, Nasir Safar question ignored

Wong Choon Mei, Malaysia Chronicle

PKR lawmakers lambasted Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein for refusing to answer questions raised in Parliament regarding the involvement of Prime Minister Najib Razak’s former special aide, Nasir Safar, in the still-disputed Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case.

They also grilled the government on the billions of ringgit Najib lavished on two Scorpene submarines that many naval experts say are actually unsuitable for guarding Malaysia’s coastline.

“The latest official statistics show the cost of the two Scorpenes has not been fully tabulated or properly revealed to the public. In fact, the full cost of the purchases and their maintenance seems to be ever inflating. The previous estimate was RM5 billion, it is now RM6.7 billion and this does not include the maintenance fees yet,” Batu MP Tian Chua told Malaysia Chronicle.

“Yet the government refuses to acknowledge this white elephant and tells the people not to overspend. No wonder the Najib administration has to cut subsidies. In the end, the ordinary folk will have to pay for equipment the Navy does not need and also for the kickbacks to corrupt officials.”

Based on figures supplied to Tian by Defense Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, total costs excluding annual maintenance works out to 1.34 billion euros or about RM6.7 billion. This breaks down to 969 million euros for the two submarines, 219 million euros for missiles, 38 million euros for miscellaneous equipment and 114 million euros for commission paid to Perimekar. Maintenance fees were initially agreed at RM600 million for six years or RM100 million per year. However, this was later increased to RM270 million per year.

A complex tale of greed, sex and murder

Altantuya and the Scorpene submarines are inter-related because the murdered Mongolian translator had acted as a go-between in the 2002 deal struck between French vendors DCNS and Thales and the Malaysian defense ministry. Najib was the defence minister who had sanctioned the deal at that time.

The beautiful 28-year old Altantuya is believed to have been shot because she threatened to blow the whistle on Razak Baginda, another close associate of Najib’s.

Baginda's firm Perimekar received commission of 114 million euros or about RM570 million from the purchase. Altanutya's body was also blown to bits with military-grade C4 explosives in a jungle clearing in Malaysia in 2006 to avoid identification.

Speculation has also been rife that she was sexually involved with both Najib and Baginda. Najib has denied ever knowing her, while Baginda has admitted they were lovers.

In came Nasir Safar, tripped by his racist comments

Nasir Safar, a long-time special aide to Najib, hit the headlines earlier this year when he was pulled up for making racist remarks, calling Malaysian Indians beggars and Malaysian Chinese prostitutes.

Nasir got into even hotter soup when when top blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin revealed that he was the man in a Proton car parked in front of Baginda’s house on the night Altantuya was murdered. It immediately sparked speculation that Najib had sent him to keep watch over an increasingly restless Altantuya.

Raja Petra’s claim has been backed up by a private investigator, P Balasubramaniam, who was on the scene and had recognized Nasir. Fearful for his personal safety and that of his family's, Bala fled the country and is now living in London. However, he has offered to help the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigate the case provided they interviewed him there.

“My question to Hishammuddin was simple. Is it true Nasir Safar was in the Proton car parked in front of Razak Baginda’s house just before Najib’s former bodyguards took her away to be killed,” PKR Subang MP Sivarasa Rasiah told Malaysia Chronicle.

“But Hisham would only answer that police investigations showed Nasir was not involved in Altantuya’s murder. He refused to answer my question directly. Why? The whole world knows that the two former bodyguards had no motive to kill Altantuya. They were just the gun. Who gave the signal to pull the trigger?”

Afraid of what Bala may reveal

Two elite cops, who were once part of Najib's security detail, have been sentenced to hang for the murder. Both men insist they were not guilty, they did not know her and had no motive to kill her. Razak Baginda, who was also charged for abetting the murder, has however been acquitted.

Undaunted by the government's stonewalling, Sivarasa has promised to keep raising the matter in Parliament until the the truth came out.

"I challenge the government to send a team of police and MACC officers to meet Balasubramaniam in London," Sivarasa said.

"If they are serious about finding out the answers - not just on who killed Altanutya but also on the massive corruption behind the purchase of the Scorpenes - they will not hesitate to fly to London and take his statement. But the thing is -  are they afraid of what Bala will reveal in the interview."

Khairy: Yes, Umno can change

By Ding Jo-Ann | The Nut Graph
“IS Umno its own worst enemy? Does it need to lose power before it can reform?”
These questions and more were posed to Members of Parliament (MPs) Khairy Jamaluddin, Tony Pua and Nurul Izzah Anwar at The Nut Graph’s recent forum, Found in Conversation: Creativity and Innovation in Politics.

Found in Conversation (l-r): Nurul Izzah, Surin, Khairy and Pua

“Why does our prime minister have to spend so much time convincing those within his own party of what the public already want and believe?” asked audience member and Sisters in Islam co-founder Zainah Anwar.

Zainah Anwar

In response, Khairy, who is Umno Youth chief, said the party had enough of a wake-up call in the last general election and didn’t need to lose power to change. He said serious reforms were possible within Umno for it to move away from its old racial rhetoric and create a more inclusive platform.
However, Khairy said it was important for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to also meet and listen to right wing groups such as Perkasa so that he could say he had taken all views into account.
“What is important is that the prime minister isn’t outflanked,” Khairy said. He said Najib needed to know that there was support for his reforms from within the party, adding that that was a role he, Khairy, could play.
“The prime minister [Datuk Seri Najib Razak] has the right sentiment and sensibilities,” Khairy told the over 80 people present at the 20 June 2010 event in Bangsar. “He needs people to tell him that it’s all right to [institute reforms] because there is support from within the party.”
Talking about change

Khairy Jamaluddin

Although Umno may not be changing as fast as some would like, Khairy said it was important that people were still talking about change.
“We’ve been talking about changing Umno for many years. That’s ok to me, because we’re still talking about change. The moment we stop talking about change, that’s when I get worried,” the Rembau MP said.
Khairy said it was important to talk about changing Umno not just amongst “friendly” audiences who were open to the idea but also at the grassroots level.  “It’s important to talk about [change] in the Umno Youth assembly, in Kelantan with the young people…I want to tell them it’s ok to talk about these things,” said Khairy.
He added that reform was gaining traction within the party and that its success would depend on how it was presented to the party faithful.
Khairy said one of the things that Umno needed to change was how local chieftains sometimes prevented good candidates from being fielded during elections. “Sometimes there are candidates who are popular within Umno, but not popular outside. Many leaders in Wanita and Puteri Umno are acceptable to the public, but because of a stranglehold within the party, they are not fielded.”
When The Nut Graph editor and forum host Jacqueline Ann Surin asked whether Umno could ever be headed by a woman president so that Malaysia could have a woman prime minister, Khairy said: “I wouldn’t rule it out, women can go straight to the supreme council.”
However, he admitted that Malaysia was not likely to see a woman Umno president in “our lifetime” because the party structure was stacked against women.
PR’s challenges

Marion D'Cruz

Fellow panellist Pua, who is Petaling Jaya Utara MP and DAP national publicity secretary, also talked about changes within his party. In his response to audience member Marion D’Cruz’s request for politicians to actually change things and stop spouting mere rhetoric, Pua said there were genuine challenges involved in bringing about change.
“Before joining DAP, I used to write to [DAP advisor] Lim Kit Siang with all kinds of suggestions — recruit more Malay [Malaysian] members, all these things we talked about tonight,” said Pua. “After joining the party, I realised certain things. I went to the DAP national headquarters — it consists of two semi-detached houses joined together in a Petaling Jaya suburb. There were four to five staff there, including a telephonist. Everyone has to do everything there.”
Pua said he realised after joining DAP there were real constraints such as getting funds to hire talented, committed staff. “We can’t get around these challenges overnight,” said Pua. “We can’t change, for example, from a five-[person] team to a 25-person highly efficient bureaucracy overnight… We need time to organise, time to push for change.”
In the light of history, Pua said the two years after the March 2008 elections was a tiny fraction of time and that if change could be brought about within 10 years, he would consider that progress.
To Surin’s question about the viability of Pakatan Rakyat (PR) remaining a coalition, when previous opposition coalitions did not last, Pua said: “Absolutely, we’ll still be around for the next general election.”
He said the difference between the previous opposition coalitions and PR was that the previous coalitions did not get voted into government.
“Suddenly we have more important things than minor differences to pay attention to. We have to look at providing better facilities and amenities for people — these are the things that will get you re-elected next time round, not issues of conflict between two parties,” he said.

Nurul Izzah (left) and Surin

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)’s Nurul Izzah, who is also Lembah Pantai MP, said PR MPs face real challenges within Parliament because they are not in power. For example, she said PKR vice-president and Subang MP Sivarasa Rasiah has been thwarted from introducing a freedom of information bill in Parliament.
“At least in PR-led states, we have introduced some sort of legislation to reaffirm our commitment to reform,” she said, citing Selangor’s Select Committee for Competency, Accountability and Transparency or Selcat, and its plans to table a freedom of information bill for the state.
Most innovative practice?
In keeping with the forum’s theme, audience member Terry Netto asked all three MPs what was the most innovative practise their party had implemented.

Tony Pua

Lim’s blogging and twittering, was Pua’s reply. Pua said despite his seniority, Lim had really led DAP and put it at the forefront in terms of social media and networking.
Khairy cited Umno’s constitutional amendments which now allows anyone to contest for the president and deputy president posts. Khairy said some Umno members had wanted other filters in place, such as being a supreme council member for three terms before being able to contest. “The PM rejected these suggestions,” said Khairy. “He said he didn’t need that kind of protection.”
Nurul Izzah spoke of Opposition Leader and father Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s idea to reform the New Economic Policy (NEP) to make it needs- instead of race-based. She also spoke of how the PKR youth wing members, unlike in other parties, consists of both men and women, and must be under 35.

JI: PAS Cabar Kerajaan Dedah Bukti Di Parlimen

Dari Harakah Daily
Oleh Dzulfikar Mashoor

Naib Presiden PAS, Salahuddin Ayub mencabar Menteri Dalam Negeri, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein supaya mengeluarkan kenyataan rasmi di Dewan Rakyat dalam masa terdekat berhubung kewujudan semula gerakan pengganas Jemaah Islamiah (JI) di beberapa universiti tempatan.

“Kami semua selaku Ahli Parlimen PAS kesal dan kami minta suatu kenyataan rasmi oleh menteri dibuat di Parlimen dalam kadar segera yang kononnya wujud JI ini yang melibatkan pelajar-pelajar IPTA kita,” jelas beliau yang juga Ahli Parlimen Kubang Kerian mewakili Ahli Parlimen PAS pada sidang media di lobi Parlimen, pagi tadi.

Menurut beliau, dari maklum balas yang diberikan oleh universiti, KDN dalam suatu taklimat bersama Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi (KPT) berkaitan isu JI, pihak KDN gagal menjelaskan bukti-bukti wujudnya gerakan bawah tanah tersebut di beberapa universiti tempatan.

“Dalam satu taklimat tentang terorisme pada KPT, saya diberitahu bahawa tidak ada satu pun bukti yang kukuh tentang isu wujudnya JI ini, semuanya lebih untuk mewujudkan persepsi kononnya ada gerakan keganasan di negara kita,” tegas beliau.

Sehubungan itu, beliau tidak menolak kemungkinan bahawa akan wujud tangkapan tanpa bicara menggunakan Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) ke atas ahli politik pembangkang dan tokoh-tokoh agama.

“Mungkin akan ada tokoh-tokoh tertentu, tokoh politik atau tokoh-tokoh agama tertentu yang akan ditangkap disebabkan isu ini (JI) dan itulah yang menjadi kebimbangan kami semua,” ujar beliau.

Senada dengan beliau, seorang lagi Naib Presiden PAS, Datuk Mahfuz Omar berkata, Hishammuddin turut dicabar mendedahkan di Dewan Rakyat berhubung aktiviti pihak pengganas sebenar yang mahu menyerang berhala Dewi Kuan Yin di Air Itam serta berhala Dewa Murugan di Batu Caves, sebagaimana yang beliau jelaskan kepada media massa sebelum ini.

Beliau yang juga Ahli Parlimen Pokok Sena mendakwa, tindakan Hishammuddin bersama-sama Ketua Polis Negara, Tan Sri Musa Hassan itu semata-mata mencerminkan budaya politik menggila di kalangan orang-orang gila.

“Inilah yang saya panggil amalan politik menggila-gila oleh orang gila, kegilaan mereka semata-mata untuk menakut-nakutkan rakyat,” ujar beliau sebagai menjawab tohmahan Hishammuddin sebelum ini kononnya pembangkang adalah gila kerana menganggap tujuan kerajaan mendedahkan isu JI semata-mata suatu sandiwara untuk mengelirukan rakyat.

Bercakap pada sidang media yang sama, Ahli Parlimen Shah Alam, Khalid Samad meminta kerajaan menyelesaikan dahulu kes demonstrasi mengarak kepala lembu di Shah Alam beberapa bulan lalu.

Menurut beliau, mereka yang terbabit dalam aktiviti keganasan itu rata-ratanya didalangi oleh pemuda Umno Shah Alam sendiri.

Bagi beliau, isu JI yang digembar-gemburkan kebelakangan ini sebenarnya bertujuan untuk mewujudkan kondisi Islamphobia serta budaya takut di kalangan rakyat.

Isu tersebut, menurut dakwaan beliau lagi, merupakan persiapan Umno BN dalam menghadapi Pilihan Raya Umum ke-13 kelak.

Katanya lagi, langkah memetakan lanskap politik negara dengan menimbulkan isu JI dan anti-keganasan tersebut seakan sama dengan kondisi anti-Islam yang pernah dicetuskan di Amerika Syarikat pasca tragedi perlanggaran WTC pada tahun 2001 lalu.

Sehubungan itu, beliau tidak menolak kemungkinan bahawa di sebalik isu JI itusebenarnya didalangi oleh syarikat komunikasi penuh lantikan kerajaan, iaitu Firma Perunding Antarabangsa APCO Worldwide (IAC) yang nyata diketahui umum sebagai proksi pada Amerika Syarikat dan Zionis Israel.

Dari segi yang lain, beliau berkata, tindakan kerajaan mencipta isu JI akhirnya merugikan negara.

Ini kerana, katanya lagi, kenyataan tidak bertanggungjawab oleh Hishammuddin dan Musa sudah tentu menghalang minat para pelabur asing, khususnya dari Timur Tengah untuk datang melabur di tanah air ini.

“Mereka mungkin tak sedar yang isu ini (JI) sebenarnya mengakibatkan para pelabur dari Timur Tengah tak berminat untuk melabur di dalam negara kita kononnya ada pengganas dan sebagainya,” ujarnya.

JI 'threat'? | Umno->Asri: Join us or get ISA for JI links?

I really wonder what to make of all these alleged JI threats.
On the one hand, of course we want to be wary against the type of terror attacks we have seen in Indonesia and the like.
On the other, do we really trust our government when they start going on about such terror threats?
I won’t pretend to know for sure, but observe the style of these ‘witch hunt’ briefings -

Another high-level briefing was held at the Bukit Aman federal police headquarters last night as part of efforts to send out the red alert amongst the government’s senior echelon on the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) threat.
Apart from the movement’s terrorist threat, participants at the briefing also heard that JI subscribed to Wahhabism, an ultra-conservative, hardline form of Islam. This sparked fear among some present that a witch-hunt may be on the cards.
The high-ranking officials attending the meeting – among them the police task force on terrorism, public university vice-chancellors and heads of security departments – were clearly uneasy with what they heard.
This due to the deputy director of the Al-Quran and Core Knowledge of Institut Latihan Islam Malaysia, Zamihan Mat Zin who alleged a link between Wahhabism and several notable Islamic figures in the country.
Among the names mentioned were former Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidi, the state’s current mufti Juanda Jaya, former Perlis menteri besar Shahidan Kassim and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

I can see it now – dark room in Bukit Aman, figures huddled around a small table, one small overhead lamp, while one man goes on and on about these devils and their many co-conspirators.
Exactly the type of thing that would precede an Ops Lalang type of operation.
Perhaps this whole JI thing is manufactured to fit two goals:
Firstly, to appease America and their never ending anti-terrorism campaign (Najib lovessss America. During the Gaza flotilla crisis, Umno didn’t even dare to protest outside the American Embassy – choosing the UN instead :P )
Second of course, to conveniently get rid of political enemies.
Perhaps Najib is using his carrot and stick again against Asri – join Umno, or be arrested as a JI sympathist. Tsk3.
Let us be vigilant, Malaysia!

Argentina beat Greece, book Mexico date

Argentina booked a last 16 date with Mexico as their two Martins - Demichelis and Palermo - ended Greece's faint hopes of qualification by wrapping up a 2-0 victory in Polokwane. Greece had kept the South Americans at bay until the 7

7th minute but they could do little to prevent Diego Maradona's side from securing top spot in Group B with an impressive win at the Peter Mokoba stadium.

Otto Rehhagel's side simply needed to better the result of Korea Republic to claim a place in the last 16, and with Maradona rotating his starting 11, as expected, with no fewer than seven changes from the side that swept aside Korea Republic, the Greeks could must have felt more confident of achieving their aim.

However, there was no doubting Greece had a Herculean task on their hands, and they were virtual by-standers in the opening minutes as Argentina stroked the ball around confidently, guided by the returning Juan Veron. Lionel Messi, lively from the start, demonstrated his threat as early as the tenth minute, riding the challenges of Konstantinos Kastouranis and Alexandros Tziolis, before eventually being stopped in his tracks by the outstretched leg of Sokratis Papastathoppoulos.

Greece were defending in numbers in a bid to thwart their opponents, and were relying on long balls into Georgios Samaras in any bid to switch defence into attack. However, if Rehhagel's side were slowly finding their feet - only the outstretched leg of Martin Demechelis brought an end to Georgios Samaras's promising charge into the box 12 minutes in - Maradona's side were still well in command.

And when the Southern Europeans' sporadic attacks broke down, the action quickly switched back to the other end, where Alexandro Tzvorvas was unquestionably the busiest man of the night. Sergio Augero smashed in a left-footed drive which he athletically palmed away, and the Greece goalkeeper had to be equally alert moments later, when the power of the long-range drive from Veron was only matched by the quality of Tzvorvaz's tip-over.

If Greece were going to claw their way back into this game it was going to be through Samaras. Just two minutes into the second period, the Celtic forward was picked out with another long ball but, despite wriggling free of his markers, he could only flash his shot wide.

However, the momentum remained with Argentina, who needed just a draw to see them into the last 16. Milito might have headed them into a lead, but the striker failed to connect with Clemente Rodriguez's dangerous-looking cross and, shortly after, Rodriquez had a go himself from long-range but was unable to find the target.

Messi and Mario Bolatti were both thwarted by Tzvorvas as the decibel level rose in the Peter Mokaba stadium. And the noise levels went through the roof in the 77th minute when Demichelis's goalbound header from an Angel Di Maria corner rebounded off Milito and back into the path of the Argentina defender, who gratefully smashed home a left-footed shot to give Maradona's side the lead they had long threatened.

Messi, Argentina's captain for the night, was denied by the post and then Tzvorvas in the dying minutes, but Greece could do nothing to stop Martin Palermo from side-footing home Argentina's second a minute from time after Messi had again been thwarted.

Koreans march as Eagles crash

Korea Republic came back from a goal down to draw 2-2 against Nigeria in a gripping contest at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Tuesday. The result sees the Asians through to the Round of 16 as second-place finishers from Group B behind winners Argentina, and will meet Group A toppers Uruguay in the first stage of knockout play on 26 June in Nelson Mandela Bay. Nigeria, with just one point from their three matches, are heading for home to ponder what might have been.

The Nigerians, in dire need of a win to stay alive, dodged a bullet in only the second minute, when big Danny Shittu’s horrid clearance fell to the feet of Park Chu Young in a dangerous position on the right. The Monaco man’s low cross was picked out well by the sliding Lee Chung Yong, who sacrificed his body in a collision with Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama only to stroke wide of the near post.

After that early scare, the Nigerians began to boss the play with their best moments of these finals. Coach Lars Lagerback opted for four attacking players in his starting-eleven, including Nwankwo Kanu, used for the first time in South Africa. The positive approach paid off, the Super Eagles taking a lead in the 12th minute. Chidi Odiah wriggled his way up the right side with a classy piece of approach work and his low cross through the box was nailed into the corner by Kalu Uchu, who snuck around his marker. The goal was met with a roar from the home crowd, in need of a boost after their beloved Bafana Bafana were eliminated earlier in the day.

Nigeria continued to push forward as the half wore on, with Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi going close and Kanu and Yakubu Ayegbeni combining well in the advanced positions. The Koreans – who looked so organised in their first match – were getting pushed around and losing their shape as the half wound down. Uche nearly doubled his tally in the 36th minute, only to see his shot from distance slam off the upright to a groan from the crowd. The Asians, against the run of play, took full advantage and drew level with their first shot on goal. Lee Jung Soon heading home while unmarked at the back post after a free-kick delivered by Yueng seven minutes from the interval.

The Koreans came out in the second half looking lively. After Lee Young Pyo tested Enyeama in the opening seconds, danger-man Park Chu Young curled his direct free-kick around the wall and inside the back post from the corner of the penalty area to put the Taeguk Warriors on top 2-1 with just minutes gone.

Pockets of lively Korean fans were growing in confidence and voice, singing the anthems that propelled their men to the semi-finals as hosts in 2002, but they were nearly silenced when Yakubu was clear in on goal in the 59th minute. Only a last-ditch tackle from Cho Yong Hyung kept the big Everton man from a certain equaliser. ‘Yak’ was at the heart of the action again shortly after, missing a most egregious sitter from six yards in the 66th minute, before showing the guts to step up to the spot three minutes later and draw level after Obasi was felled in the area.

A frenzied half-hour followed, with both sides going agonisingly close to tipping the balance and substitute Obafemi Martins missing a golden breakaway chance. But it was the Koreans players celebrating at the final whistle while Nigeria became the second of five African participants to fall at the first hurdle.

Bafana beat Bleus, both bow out

South Africa beat France 2-1 for only their second FIFA World Cup™ victory, but both teams ultimately emerged losers in Bloemfontein. Carlos Alberto Parreira's team became the first host nation to fail to qualify for the tournament's second round while a miserable campaign from the French came to a predictable conclusion as they also bowed out of South Africa 2010.

The African side's story was ultimately one of disappointment as they exited their own tournament on goal difference with Mexico taking the second qualifying place in Group A behind Uruguay. For France there was further ignominy as a second defeat in three games provided a fitting epitaph to the sense of disharmony which had infected Raymond Domenech's squad virtually since the opening game.

The beleaguered coach, who now leaves his post, made six changes to the team that had gone down to Mexico in their previous game – with captain Patrice Evra one of those dropped. However, initially France promised to lift the gloom for their followers with some attacking thrusts. One should have seen Andre-Pierre Gignac fire them into an early lead but he could only direct his attempt straight at Moneeb Josephs who was deputising in the South African goal for the suspended Itumeleng Khune. Djibril Cisse then flicked on Abou Diaby's floated pass but again the goalkeeper was behind it all the way.

Bafana Bafana were not short of voluble support and the stadium erupted with joy in the 20th minute when they took the lead. It followed a right-sided corner which precipitated a mistake by Hugo Lloris who was unable to put a glove on the ball, allowing Bongani Khumalo to profit from his towering leap at the far post and a downward header gave the host nation the lead.

Their hopes raised, South Africa kept pouring forward in search of further goals which would be crucial if it came down to goal difference. At the other end of the field came a decision that would help their cause as Yoann Gourcuff duelled for an aerial ball with MacBeth Sibaya and was shown the red card as the home midfielder lay on the ground requiring treatment.

Parreira's side sensed their chance as 12 minutes later Katlego Mphela bundled the ball in at the far post after Tsepo Masilela's ball across had caught the French defence in confusion. News that Uruguay had taken the lead against Mexico only added to the sense of euphoria around the stadium and not even a chance for France, which William Gallas failed to seize as a free-kick found him unmarked in the area, could dampen it down.

Mphela drew a fingertipped save from Lloris and it was he who led the charge for second-half goals, striking the crossbar, demanding another fine stop from the keeper, and then burrowing his way through only to find the side-netting. In the final reckoning those misses were to prove crucial. In the 70th minute France took a lot of sting out of South Africa's attacks as Florent Malouda, who had just appeared off the substitute's bench, was on hand to roll the ball home after Franck Ribery had unselfishly squared the ball into his path.

Uruguay edge Mexico, both advance

Uruguay finished top of Group A thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mexico at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, but the defeat was ultimately sufficient for El Tri to join their conquerors in the Round of 16.

Joint-leaders Uruguay and Mexico went into their final group match safe in the knowledge that a draw would be enough for both of them to reach the knockout phase. But it was a must-win for the Mexicans if they were to avoid a likely encounter with the formidable Argentinians in the last 16. Both coaches opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with the only one notable change being veteran Mexico forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco starting for the first time in place of the injured Carlos Vela.

The stadium was filled with a large contingent of El Tri supporters hours before the kick-off, and the Mexicans soon began to find their rhythm with the the waves of 'ole' coming from the stands. However, it was the Uruguayans who had the first attack of note. Luis Suarez missed a glorious chance to put his side ahead on five minutes, when the Ajax marksman sent his shot just wide of the left post after collecting a loose ball from a defensive mistake from Hector Moreno.

Mexico fought back midway through the first half, with Andres Guardado hitting the crossbar with an audacious left-foot drive from 30 yards. Guardado and Giovani dos Santos then managed to find space on the left, but were unable to create clear-cut chances to break down one of the meanest defences in the competition. With half-time approaching, Carlos Salcido tried his luck from distance but the ball sailed well over the bar.

Just as the first half seemed to be ending goalless, La Celeste seized their opportunity on 43 minutes. Edinson Cavani broke down the right channel to send a looping cross to the far post, where Suarez headed home from close range to make it 1-0.

With South Africa leading France 2-0 at the interval in Bloemfontein, Mexico could not afford to concede more goals. But the Uruguayans surged forward right after the break, with Diego Lugano’s point-blank header off a Diego Forlan free-kick forcing a brilliant save from Oscar Perez. At the opposite end, substitute Pablo Barrera sent an inviting cross from the right, only for Francisco Rodriguez to send a glancing header just wide of Fernando Muslera’s goal.

Although Mexico put the pressure on by bringing Javier Hernandez on for Blanco after the hour mark, Uruguay's defence looked even more impenetrable as time wore on. And despite enjoying more possession of the ball, Mexico failed to find a way through as Uruguay completed a hat-trick of clean sheets for the first time in their FIFA World Cup™ history.

P.Uthayakumar’s first arrest in 2003. High court civil suit begins today.

P.Uthayakumar testified at the Kuala Lumpur High Court today 21/6/10 that he had been arrested by the Malay-sian police on 11 occasions. The tenth was his arrest under the ISA for 514 days. 21/6/2010 has been set for the first unlawful arrest and malicious prosecution of P.Uthayakumar’s civil suit against the Chief Police Officer of Kuala Lumpur, Chief Police officer of Selangor,  SAC II Abu Bakar Mustaffa, eight other police officers and the government of Malaysia before Kuala Lumpur High Court Judge Yang Arif  Puan Rosilah binti Yup.  P.Uthayakumar was represented by lawyer Manoharan Malayalam. The police force and the government of Malaysia was represented by Senior Federal Counsels Lailawati binti Ali and Zurin bt Md Dom.

Proceedings began at 11.30a.m  P.Uthayakumar took the stand and narrated how at the height of the death in police custody cases and police shooting dead of mere suspects cases in and around 2003, the victims of whom were almost all Indians, he was first arrested right at the doorsteps of the Sepang Magistrates Court, thrown into jail and maliciously prosecuted at the very same Sepang Magistrates Courts where the Inquests proceedings of S.Tharmarajah (19) who was killed in the Sepang police custody was being held.

Immediately upon arrest, P.Uthayakumar was forced to strip to his underpants and he was filmed and photographed by the police camera and video crew in full view of a group of ten policemen at the Sepang police station on 16/1/2003. When P.Uthayakumar protested one DSP Amidon bin Adam and another police Chief Inspector shouted “Fuck You” and “Go to hell” at P.Uthayakumar. Thereafter he was sent to spend the night at the Sepang police station lock up overnight.

P.Uthayakumar testified that from the Sepang police station where he was first arrested he was then taken to the Sentul police station with regards to a second  case where one Maliga’s eight year old daughter was raped and eventually her husband was murdered. Despite ten police reports having been lodged the Sentul police (probably in collaboration with the underworld) had refused to offer police protection for this family. The then K.L Police Chief Dell Akhbar Khan had replied in the Press that his policemen cannot be expected to sleep in this widowed Maliga’s house. For championing this case P.Uthayakumar was arrested for the second time.

The third arrest of P.Uthayakumar at the Sentul police station was by the Dang Wangi police in respect of the killing of Vivashanu Pillai who was killed at the Dang Wangi police station and his body thrown into the Klang River by the police. (the police version was that Vivashanu had slipped through his handcuffs, escaped  from police custody and was later found dead in the Klang River just like the case of Francis Udayappan).

For questioning this police crime,  P.Uthayakumar was arrested for the third time.

P.Uthayakumar was prosecuted of criminally intimidating a police Chief Inspector during the said Inquest proceedings of S.Tharmarajen under Section 506 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum jail term of up to seven years jail.

When re examined by his lawyer Manoharan Malayalam P.Uthyakumar replied that this series of police arrests was to deter him from taking up these cases when in every two weeks one person was killed in police lock ups and in every week 1.3 persons were dead shot by the Malaysian police.

The crux of P.Uthayakumar’s testimony at the High Court today was how he had applied to the Sepang Magistrate to have the charges against him dismissed for being groundless. And when the Magistrate had turned down the application P.Uthayakumar had appealed against the said Magistrates decision to the Shah Alam High Court.

Shah Alam High Court Justice Suriyadi Halim Omar upon hearing the appeal by P.Uthayakumar’s lawyers Manoharan Malayalam, Waytha Moorthy and others  had dismissed the criminal charges against him on the grounds of the same being groundless further to Section 173(g) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The Attorney General appealed to the Court of Appeal and a three man bench of the Court of Appeal had also dismissed the Attorney General’s appeal and set P.Uthayakumar free of the said criminal charge.

This was an unprecedented and landmark High Court and Court of Appeal decision in a criminal case in the Malaysian legal history being struck out without even the commencement of the criminal proceedings.

And thus P.Uthayakumar’s testimony in the High Court today that the arrest was unlawful ab initio (from the very beginning) and the criminal prosecution by the Attorney General being malicious.

The proceedings only ended at 6.00p.m when P.Uthayakumar’s lawyer Manoharan Malayalam closed the Plaintif’s case. The police force and the government of Malaysia has four witnesses who would testify on 22/6/2010.

18,000 Malay muslim Phds by 2015 in 10th M.P. No plans for Indian Ph Ds

But then this is Malay-sian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s One Malay-sia under his Tenth Malay-sia Plan

(See SH 13/6/10 at page S28).

Check with your friends and relatives as to how many of them got full scholarships to do a Phd in the local and foreign Universition .

Our estimate is only a mere 1%.

P. Uthayakumar

IGP claim crime rate reduction by 32%, but promotes crime by their inaction. Why? Linked to under world?

Indian family lives in fear. Former kidnap victim still receives death threats from abductors, asks police why they are still at large. RM 100,000 ransom paid but Subramaniam of Penang still got five death threats phone calls. 

He said Penang deputy chief police officer Senior Asst Comm I Datuk Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah had, in February, assured him that investigations were ongoing. 

But the crimes are still ongoing. 

This is just the tip of the iceberg of suspected police partners in crime cases or bribe prone police personnel but the IGP and the police top brass do their usual wayang kulit illusion that the crime rate has dropped by 32% since January (The Star 12/5/10 at page N8). 

P. Uthayakumar

Valuecap’s billion ringgit should be used to bail out Maika Holdings. Indian Mandores in DAP, PKR, PAS and Mandore Dato Subra must rise above politics.

Maika may be wound up (The Star 196/2010 at page N 23). But 66,459 (NST 24/4/10 at page 16) and poor, low income and working class Indians stand to lose millions of ringgit in real teams with this.

Why didn’t any of the 11 Indian PKR, DAP and PAS MP Mandore and their “tuan” Anwar Ibrahim, “Tuan Haji” Hadi Awang, Towkay Lim Kit Siang and their 76 MPs champion the plight of these poor and working class Indians in Parliament, media and in public forums like what they had rightly  done for Aminulrasyid, Teoh Beng Hock Malay muslim BMF Finance, Bank Rakyat, Bank Bumi, Renong, Perwaja, Chinese DTC, Multi Purpose Holdings, etc?

Anwar, Lim Kit Siang and Hadi Awang could have demanded that UMNO use up from the RM 10 billion allocation to buy up under valued shares (NST 12/10/08 at page 1) a sum of RM 2.6 billion at RM 26.00 per original RM 1.00 Maika Shares in 1984. Why not? Because the victims are merely the poor and powerless Indians? Had UMNO allocated prime land, blue chip shares in Island and Penisula, UMW, Sime bank, Maybank, etc like those given out to PNB which grew 38,000% from RM 200 million in 1981 to 76 billion in 2008 so that Maika won’t be wound up.

While UMNO is guilty of racism and supremacy by commission, Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang Hadi Awang, their 11 Indian MP mandores and their 76 PKR, DAP and PAS MPs are equally if not more guilty than UMNO because Hindraf had given the political directions and the 90% of the Malaysian Indian community had voted for PKR, DAP and PAS and not UMNO/BN.

So who speaks for the Indian poor and powerless? PKR? DAP? PAS? NGOS”? Bar Council? Indian journalists? Indian elite?

HRP’s Project 15/38 creating and winning in 15 Parliamentary and 38 state seats is the only way forward.

P. Uthayakumar

PPP and Indian MIC mandores must unite to support UMNO’s Malay muslim supremacy says P.M

 

After opening of the PPP AGM, One Malay-sia Prime Minister Najib Razak said all the Indians getting little kachang putih handouts must do more to further entrench Malay muslim supremacy in Malaysia. Najib says he needs MIC, PPP & IPF to “channel help to the poor Indians (BH 21/6/10 at page 2). We want UMNO to channel the help directly to the Indians as they do for the Malay muslims. This UMNO strategy is to use the Indian mandores in MIC, PPP and IPF to channel the peanuts to the Indians while UMNO channels the perks to the malay muslim in One  Malay-sia.

This the Indian MIC, PPP, IPF MACCI, NGO and other leaders in return for the kachang putih handouts are expected to cheat the poor Indians by keeping them out of the national mainstream development of Malaysia. This has been UMNO’s 50 year old magic formula until the 25th November 2007 Hindraf Rally. No more now. HRP and Hindraf will fight tooth and nail to the end to end UMNO’s racist and supremacist agenda and policies.

P. Uthayakumar

Poor and hungry soil eating Indian girls now denied mum’s love, care and attention and to be converted to Islam at the Welfare Home.

It would be very easy for UMNO, PKR, DAP, PAS and even Indian elite to blame the parents of these girls aged 6, 7 and 9 for being unable to feed their children (See NST 19/6/2010 at page 9).

But UMNO PKR, DAP, PAS and the Malaysian civil society has refused to address ways to solve this real poverty in this and thousands of such Indian poor families, for example by giving them the 442,000 ten care land ownership scheme in Felda, Felcra, Risda, Fama, Mardi, Agropolition etc. (BH 25/2/2010 at page 4).

Why? Because the Indians are poor and powerless?

HRP’s Project 15/38 creating and winning in 15 Parliamentary and 38 state seats is the only way forward.

P. Uthayakumar

10 MMU Malay muslim students with 10As granted Chancellor’s RM 600,000 scholarships. 13A Indian students excluded.

Ten Malay muslim students with 10As were granted the Multi Media University Chancellor Dr. Siti Hasmah’s scholarship worth RM 600,000 in line with the nation’s mission to build (Malay muslim) human capital. (UM 22/6/10 at page 13).
But why only to top Malay muslim students in Prime Minster Najib Razak’s One Malay-sia?
We have not forgotten Dr. Mahathir the father of Malay-sian racism religious extremism and supremacy. And this latest act of racial discrimination by his wife. And they are no shy about it. No embarrassment at all.
Worse, under current Malay-sian Prime Minister Najib Razak who denied Indian students scoring even 13As, government JPA scholarships, PTPTN, study loans, University and Matriculation places. But Najib preaches One Malay-sia.
P. Uthayakumar

Wife Confirms Michael Soosai Is Dead

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 (Bernama) -- Michael Soosai's wife created a hype in the Sessions Court here Tuesday when she told the court that she identified her husband's body and then gave permission to her daughter's former fiance, J. Kumaresan, to handle the cremation of the body.

S. Kumari, 45, said she was informed by Kumaresan of her husband's death between 4pm and 4.30pm on Sept 12, 2003, and went to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) mortuary with her sister, Malika, the next day to identify the body before seeking Kumaresan's assistance with the funeral preparation.

Questioned by lawyer Naran Singh, Kumari, who is the fourth defence witness, said she was informed that her husband died due to a heart problem and that she was present when her husband's body was cremated at a crematorium in Cheras.

Cross-examined by deputy public prosecutor Syed Faizal Syed Amir, Kumari said her husband had not returned home for three weeks prior to his death because they had been having family problems.

Questioned further by Syed Faizal, she said the problems started when her husband had an affair with another woman. "He seldom came home and only contacted me occasionally. I knew he ran a business involving jewellery," she added.

When shown a picture, Kumari at first said she was not certain who the person was in the photograph, but later said the man was her late husband.

Kumari was testifying in the trial of former HKL attendant K. Subramaniam, 33, and another person still at large, who are charged with cheating Dr Wan Mohamed Zamri Wan Nawawi, 45, to induce him to issue the death certificate for Soosai at the HKL mortuary between 11am and 3pm on Sept 12, 2003.

On the second, third and fourth charge, Subramaniam, and another person still at large, are charged with falsifying the hospital's mortuary records dated Sept 12, 2003, Soosai's death certificate and burial permit for purpose of cheating.

Kumaresan and scrap metal trader V. Sanjeev Kumar are charged with abetment in all the offences.

To another question by Syed Faizal, Kumari said she only knew that Kumaresan had used her husband's identity card to claim his body and did not know about other documents.

Syed Faizal: I put it to you that your husband did not die on Sept 12, 2003?

Kumari : Disagree, because I saw his body.

Syed Faizal: I put it to you that you were never at HKL to claim the body?

Kumara : Disagree.

Syed Faizal: Because you were not at HKL, you cannot tell who were your relatives who were at the hospital on that day?

Kumari : Disagree.

Syed Faizal: I put it to you that on that day your husband was not dead and that was why the body was not taken home to be given the last respects.

Kumari : I disagree. Actually, I do not have many relatives.

Judge Mohamad Sekeri Mamat set July 2 for submissions by both sides. - Bernama

PKR MPs claim Asri will not join Umno

(The Malaysian Insider) With questions raised over the possibility of Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin’s impending entry into Umno, PKR lawmakers moved today to claim that the influential ex-Perlis mufti would not join their political foe.

Wanita PKR chief Zuraida Kamaruddin claimed that she spoke with Mohd Asri at 10am today and the latter had assured her that he would not join Umno.

“I am confident of this for he is a wise person and he would make a calculated move. At this point, we are confident that he will not be with Umno,” the Ampang MP told reporters in Parliament today.

Another PKR MP, Yusmadi Yusoff, said the party would welcome Mohd Asri into the party or into any party of his choice in the Pakatan Rakyat.

“I would welcome him to join us for he has high potential for the future of the country. I would invite him to join us on our reform agenda,” he said.

He pointed out that he went to school with Mohd Asri and said the Muslim scholar was a reformist.

“However, we are not desperate like Umno. We give open opportunities to everyone,” he said.

Umno executive secretary Datuk Abdul Rauf Yusoh revealed over the weekend that the influential Islamic thinker was likely to lead a group of ulama into the Barisan Nasional (BN) Malay party. This subsequently triggered a groundswell among his fellow Islamic scholars, friends and politicians who urged him against making the move.

Umno is hoping to score a major political coup in enticing Mohd Asri into the Malay party.

The courtship of the popular cleric suggests that Umno hopes to ride on the respected Islamic scholar’s influence among both liberal and conservative Muslims and unite Malay voters behind the BN party.

He is expected to hand over his application form to join Umno to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak after the party’s supreme council meeting on Friday.

Mohd Asri, however, has refused to confirm the matter, saying that he had not made a final decision yet.

Second Penang bridge: 'UEM making outrageous demands'

By Rahmah Ghazali - Free Malaysia Today

KUALA LUMPUR: UEM Builders Bhd has been making “outrageous” demands for financial assistance for the construction of the second Penang bridge, a state assemblyman charged today.

And the federal government is bowing to this government-linked company, said Sim Tze Tzin, Pantai Jerejak PKR state assemblyman.

He said the matter came to light after a “whistle-blower” produced a confidential letter from UEM to the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) soon after Pakatan Rakyat took over Penang two years ago.

Sim, who showed the letter to reporters in Parliament, said the letter, dated Aug 8, 2007, was signed by UEM chief executive officer Ahmad Pardas Senin and was addressed to EPU's director-general Dr Sulaiman Mahmod.

Sim (centre) said the contents of the letter revealed, among other things, that UEM has asked for financial assistance to the tune of RM22 billion to build the bridge although the actual cost of the project is only RM4 billion.

"This is a very outrageous demand and the federal government has complied with it. We are afraid that the federal government would blindly agree to all other kinds of assistance requested by UEM,” he said.

"The letter is genuine. So far, any request from UEM has been complied with by the federal government," he added.

In the letter, UEM has also asked for a concession period of 45 years, including seeking government soft loan and grant.

Something 'amiss'

According to Sim, UEM has also requested that the toll rate be fixed at RM9.40 for the second Penang bridge. It also wants the toll price for the first bridge, currently at RM7, be increased to RM9.40, with the maximum tagged at RM11.50. This price structure will go on till 2051.

The toll collection is expected to amount to RM7 billion.

But Sim said the concession for the first bridge expires in 2018 and “so why did the letter state that it (toll price) will go on until 2051?”

He said UEM had also asked the government to scrap the 20% discount for the Touch'nGo cards.

"Lately, the government had announced it would abolish this discount, which goes to show that what the letter had stated is true. But due to public pressure, the government backed down and said the discount would only be for Penangites.

"Last week, the prime minister has said the toll price for the second bridge will be at RM9.40. Now, we are worried if the government had given in to UEM's demand," said Sim.

He added that there is something amiss in the second Penang bridge project, as the federal government is providing a huge amount of financial assistance to UEM.

More drastic amendments to Road Transport Act?

By Rahmah Ghazali - Free Malaysia Today

KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry is expected to table amendments to the Road Transport Act at the next Parliament session, a move seen by some as giving the government a tighter grip on taxpayers' money.

The Consumer Association of Subang and Shah Alam (Cassa) is of the view that the proposed changes to the act is too drastic and would not be welcome by consumers.

Citing an example, its president, Jacob George, said the redefining of roads, which categorises all types of roads under the ministry, will eventually “affect the people”.

According to him, roads built by the government are usually taken care of by the federal government, and roads in villages and estates come under the jurisdiction of the local government.

“With the new amendments, automatically, the people in the villages who use motorcycles without licence can all be picked up, charged and penalised,” said George.

He added that the amendments would propose a fine of RM3,000 or jail terms of up to 20 years for several traffic offences.

“If it is true, it is draconian; even if the fine is RM300, we have a situation where most Malaysians cannot afford to pay due to the high cost of goods and essentials,” he said.

George also said the people, especially in the villages, would feel the pinch each time there is a funeral or a wedding function at their homes.

“Usually, we will tell our immediate neighbours or local councils (to close the roads). Under the proposed new law, if you put up obstacles on the roads for wedding, you can be taken to court.

“This is not reflecting what laws should be,” he said, adding that it could create possible backlash from the people, come the next general election.

Privacy at risk

George also said the amendments would allow more power to the ministry, its director-general and the Road Transport Department (RTD).

“We cannot give more power to RTD officers, especially when it allows them to enter someone’s premises,” he said.

In particular, added George, people’s privacy would be put at risk when the government is proposing to have smart chips installed in their registration number plates.

“When the police take a photo of someone’s car, they would pick up the entire data of that person because it will be on the system called an automated enforcement system.

“We don’t have privacy laws in this country and this system can be manipulated and misused by third parties,” said George.

And logistically, he said, it would be impossible for all the 25 million vehicles in the country to have the smart chips installed.

“Each registration plate would cost around RM150 and this is not cheap. You can’t force everybody to change their number plates,” he added.

However, he said, it would be acceptable if the chips were a standard in the new vehicles that are going to be rolled out.

George also claimed that only two companies would be awarded with the selling of such registration plates. This would tantamount to monopoly, he said.

“Malaysians are against monopoly. We are against any contracts given without the consensus of the people… they are not bringing the consumers into the loop to discuss,” he said.

BN backbenchers club against amendments

Although the amendments were proposed by the federal government, George however praised the Barisan Nasional backenchers club (BNBBC) for not supporting it.

“Even our friends in the BNBBC were upset and urged the ministry to re-look at the amendments,” he said.

“We have the full support of the BNBBC and they agreed that our concerns are legitimate and expressed their dissatisfaction with the proposed amendments,” he added.

According to him, Cassa and BNBBC have had a “quiet meeting” in Parliament about a month ago and agreed that the government should “scrap” the amendments.

“There would be a severe backlash from the people and the government would be forced to eat humble pie.

“The moment you touch people’s pockets and privacy, people would be upset,” George said, adding that the BNBBC had raised the matter with Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha.